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Football

25.05.2009 14:44

Xavi: “We’re coming into the final in great shape”

Berta Brau

The midfielder described the Rome final as “one of the most important games we’ll play” and Barça needs to maintain “the character we’ve shown all season”. Xavi says that “everything’s ready for the final”.

Xavi Hernàndez is one of the players who will be hoping to make up for the Paris final which he
missed through injury. He sought to dispel any fears that Barça fans may have:
“Everything’s ready for the final. We’re coming into the game in great physical
and psychological shape. We’ll do everything we can to bring the third European Cup back to
Barcelona”.

Henry and Iniesta

Henry
and Iniesta are two of the big doubts for the final. “They have been really important all
season,” admitted Xavi. Even though neither player has got the green light yet from club
doctors, he says they’re looking good in training and believes they will be there:
“They’re working well and I think they will be able to play, and we’re a better
team if they can”.

Tough rival

Xavi says he doesn’t know how Manchester United will approach the game as they have the
players to attack or defend equally well. “Since I don’t know what sort of game
they’ll play, what we have to do is get hold of the ball, dominate midfield and
attack,” he said. “Winning means we have to impose our own style.”

The voice of experience

Pep Guardiola knows all about playing in and winning Champions League
finals and he’s been giving his players the benefit of his advice. “The boss has told
us to play the way we have all season, to enjoy ourselves and go for it from the off,” said
Xavi. “He also reminded us that we need to control our nerves and emotions.”

Messi and Eto'o

Xavi Hernàndez made it clear that as far as he is concerned Messi is the world’s best
player and Samuel Eto'o is his favourite striker. “Messi makes the difference and the big
occasions bring out the best in him,” he said. As for Eto’o, the fact that he has had
problems scoring recently is no cause for concern according to the midfielder.

No penalty practice

The team didn’t practice penalty kicks before the King’s Cup Final and they
haven’t in the build up to the Champions League Final according to Xavi: “It would be a
bit daft as you don’t get matchday tension in training”. He also said that he would be
looking to take a penalty if a shoot-out does come along: “I like taking on the
responsibility at times like that and I’m one of the players who usually takes them”.